A crawl space is a small area beneath a house that’s usually less than three feet high. This provides access to utility infrastructures like plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC components. The crawl space is crucial for maintaining your home and keeping it functional, and it often acts as a protective barrier against moisture, soil gasses, pests, and the elements.

However, crawl spaces are sometimes prone to water damage or sewage issues. When these problems occur, addressing them as soon as possible is essential, as they pose a significant health risk for you and your family.

We have prepared a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively clean up sewage in a crawl space, as well as tips on preventing future issues. We understand that dealing with sewage problems is unpleasant, but you can confidently overcome this challenge with the right tools and knowledge.

What Causes Sewage Issues in Crawl Spaces?

Despite taking the utmost care and precautions, property owners may face the unfortunate reality of sewage entering their crawl spaces. This can occur for a multitude of reasons beyond their control.

The following are the most common reasons why sewage can enter crawl spaces:

• Cracked Sewage Pipes: Over time, the sewage pipes running beneath or through your crawl space can crack, resulting in sewage leakage.
• Tree Roots: Invasive tree roots can block or damage sewage pipes, causing sewage to back up and flood the crawl space.
• Clogged City Sewage Lines: Clogs or blockages in the city sewage system can cause sewage to back up and enter your crawl space.
• Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Extreme weather conditions can overwhelm the sewage system, causing sewage to go back into crawl spaces.

Why Sewage in Crawl Space is Dangerous

Sewage contamination in crawl spaces can pose significant risks to human health and a property’s structural integrity. These confined areas may contain hazardous gasses, harmful bacteria, and mold growth that can impact the air quality within the home and cause illness among inhabitants.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to sewage in crawl space can damage a property’s foundation and structural integrity, leading to expensive repairs. Homeowners must be vigilant in identifying and addressing any instances of sewage infiltration in their crawl spaces to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

How to Cleanup Sewage in a Crawl Space

Cleaning raw sewage in a crawl space isn’t a simple task. It requires knowledge, expertise, and the right equipment. However, here are the general steps to take:

• Put on Protective Gear: Crawl space sewage cleanup is hazardous, so wear rubber gloves, boots, goggles, and a respirator to protect yourself before entering a contaminated crawl space.
• Remove Standing Water: Before starting the crawl space sewage cleanup process, use a wet vacuum or submersible pump to remove any standing water.
• Dispose of Debris and Damaged Materials: Remove any debris, damaged insulation, and porous materials contaminated by sewage.
• Clean and Sanitize: After removing all contaminated materials, clean the affected surfaces with water and detergent. Next, use a commercial disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Dry the Area: High-powered fans and dehumidifiers help expedite the drying process. Ensure the space is completely dry before moving on to the following steps to prevent mold growth.
• Repair Damaged Areas: Replace any insulation, wood, or sheetrock that must be removed during the crawl space sewage cleanup. Also, consider sealing the crawl space with a vapor barrier to prevent future moisture issues.

When it comes to cleaning raw sewage in crawl space, hiring professionals is the best course of action. Professionals have the necessary expertise, equipment, and safety gear to effectively clean sewage without risking health hazards or further contamination of your property.

In addition, attempting to clean sewage without a proper understanding of its potential dangers and complexities may result in an incomplete or insufficient job, making the situation worse instead of better.

Call Restoration 1 for Professional Crawl Space Sewage Cleanup

Restoration 1 is a leading expert in crawl space sewage cleanup. Our certified technicians are trained to handle hazardous situations safely and effectively. With us, you get peace of mind knowing that your home is properly cleaned and sanitized.

Contact Restoration 1 for professional assistance.